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Sandstone Cladding Merges With Porotherm Earthen Blocks In A Contemporary Residential Setting

Author:
Sreedhar Karnam
Sandstone Cladding Merges With Porotherm Earthen Blocks In A Contemporary Residential Setting

Project in-detail

Merging sandstone cladding with porotherm earthen blocks, this residential design emphasizes energy efficiency and functional zoning while accommodating diverse family needs through flexible living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes porotherm earthen blocks for superior thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Features a double-height living area to enhance natural light and spatial perception.
03
Incorporates a dedicated children's play area adjacent to landscaped gardens.
04
Combines traditional sandstone cladding with modern construction techniques for durability.
05
Designed with multiple flexible spaces to adapt to changing family needs.

### Project Overview

The residential building is situated in an urban context designed to balance functional living spaces with aesthetic appeal. Featuring a four-bedroom layout, the structure spans three levels and integrates both private and communal areas, facilitating a conducive environment for interaction among residents while ensuring individual privacy.

### Spatial Strategy

The design employs a strategic spatial configuration that delineates communal and private areas effectively. The ground floor is dedicated to social functions, featuring a central ‘Majlis’ room that serves as a focal point for gatherings, complemented by a pantry and kitchen connection. Adjacent to the entrance, covered parking for two vehicles and a children's play area enhance practicality. The upper levels provide private quarters with two en-suite bedrooms on the first floor, each incorporating dressing areas and direct access to balconies. The second floor offers additional utility with a recreational terrace equipped for solar panel installation, reinforcing the structure's energy efficiency.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A careful selection of materials underscores the project’s commitment to durability and environmental responsibility. Porotherm earthen blocks are used for their thermal properties, while reinforced cement concrete (RCC) slabs ensure structural integrity against climatic variations. Mild steel (MS) sections in beams and columns facilitate ease of recycling. The facade is finished with sandstone cladding, connecting visually with local materials, whereas the flooring features locally sourced marble and granite, combining resilience with aesthetic quality. This approach not only emphasizes sustainability but also aligns with the project's goal of creating a harmonious living environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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